Reading Warrior

They’re known for their rugby but young men at Hastings Boys’ High School are readers too. It was inspiring sharing with them today as part of a Read NZ Writers in Schools visit.

Can’t wait to share this new pukapuka with you e te whānau. A celebration of the streets of Mt Wellington written and narrated by talented young writers from Bailey Road School.

‘No matter what challenges we face, whether its natural disasters, economic struggles, or even personal hardships, Filipinois always find a way to rise above and support each other.’ (Akisha) Last project of the year working with Filipino young people at Tangaroa College. What a great blessing learning about Filipino culture from these inspirational youth and…

Cool morning working with filmmaker, writer, director and actor Vela Manusaute and his sons Rocky Manusaute and Hector Polataivao, filming girls from the Manurewa Marlins u13 Maidens. The girls are writing a book called Whakapau Kaha Mārika Mātou! We Go Hard! that shares their perspectives playing rugby league and it’s awesome to catch their voices…

I did a zoom sharing talk as part of the Reading Oceania conference recently. Whenever I’m blessed to do presentations I’m always proud to represent my home town Māngere, and let everyone know about the village that raised me.

This is my favourite part of writing projects with kids: celebrating with the children and their families. This evening we launched The Streets: a celebration of Mt Wellington written by children of Bailey Road School.